Page 41 of The Iron Oath
“They will come around. Before I knew of you, I was in talks with a few other families regarding arranging a mating for Magoza. They may be disappointed to know that my daughter has found her fated mate.”
Amuleta blinked and focused on Magoza fighting Onyx. Her mate was on the offense, striking Onyx’s sword with her axes. She was not holding back, and the commander was out for blood. Amuleta didn’t know what had transpired between the two prior to the match, but whatever it was, Magoza was out for his head.
“Look at her. She is going to make a fine chiefess,” Tulak boasted. The chieftain stood to his feet and clapped for his daughter. Pride was evident in his voice and the way he watched her.
Magoza’s axe had just sliced across Onyx’s chest, eliciting a wave of cheers. Blood appeared from the gash and slid down his chest and torso, but he ignored it and continued to fight.
“Half-breeds don’t belong!” a voice shouted.
“Go back to where you came from!” another shouted.
“She’s a disgrace!”
“Half-breeds can’t be mates!”
It was getting harder for her to ignore what was being shouted from the spectators nearest the viewing box. The tension in the air was already thick. She remained seated and kept her eyes straight forward. She didn’t want to give those naysayers an opportunity to see their words bothered her.
A commotion caused her to look over toward where a bunch of orcs were pushing at the guards, trying to get in the box. Amuleta gasped. The guards shoved back and handled the orcs. Hatred filled their eyes, and they continued to spew their words of displeasure that she was with the royal couple.
Amuleta stood to her feet and moved closer to the rail. Her heart raced at the fighting growing worse. More orcs came forward, shouting their hate-filled words.
“Don’t worry, Amuleta. No one will touch you.” Dura came to stand in front of Amuleta. A scowl was on the chiefess’s face.
Her mate strode forward and barked orders for the crowd to settle down, but they were not listening. A few more guards arrived and jumped into the melee to help out.
Dura gently pushed Amuleta behind her. “Stay behind me.”
The roar of the crowd cut through the air at the same time the frenzied orcs broke into the viewing box. Dura slipped a dagger from underneath her long skirt. Amuleta’s eyes widened at the size of the knife. The mob surged forward, gaining access into the private area.
Tulak roared and fought to gain control. He was a massive-sized orc, and Amuleta didn’t know how these other orcs thought they would be able to go up against him or his guards. The chieftain’s fist landed on the face of an orc, and it sent him flying backward. Tulak was immediately turning to face another disgruntled orc who lunged in her direction.
Dura bent down in a defensive stance. The guards and the chieftain warded off the crazed orcs. They took a step back, the fight ensuing. Amuleta jumped when a figure landed by her side.
Nargol.
Magoza’s sister must have climbed up the wall to get there. She turned to Amuleta and shot her a wink.
“I hope I’m not too late for the party,” she said.
“Get over there and help your father,” Dura snapped. She reached out behind her as if to check and make sure Amuleta was still there.
Amuleta glanced over her shoulder and found Magoza still locked in battle with Onyx.
“You think I’d let you two have all the fun without me?” Nargol smirked.
She rushed forward and began helping the chieftain and his guards. It was beginning to get out of hand. Bodies lay out on the ground. Some were injured while others were unable to get up due to their arms being cuffed.
“Grab the half-breed!” a deep voice shouted.
A few orcs had made it past the warriors and headed straight toward her. Amuleta screamed. Dura pushed off a male who was about the same height as she was. She fell back against the rail and was able to keep herself from flipping backward over it. The scene had turned into pure chaos. The viewing box was being overrun by defiant orcs. Amuleta stepped back and fell down onto her bottom. She scooted back, praying no one saw her.
Whatever happened in the arena caused a roar to go up from every one still watching the match. Amuleta just prayed Magoza was the victor. A familiar cheer sounded from the arena. Amuleta wanted to get up and look, but that would prove to be almost impossible.
“There she is!” a voice said.
Two male orcs came into view. They advanced on her, but Amuleta had nowhere to go. Her back was pressed against the railing. She inhaled deeply, ready to release another scream.
Leather boots dropped down on the flooring next to her. Amuleta looked up and gasped.
